Fuchsia Fuchsia 'Voodoo' (d)

Water

Fuchsia, commonly known as Lady's Eardrops, demands consistent moisture without being waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which typically translates to approximately once or twice a week. Use lukewarm water and gently pour around the base of the plant until the water begins to run out of the bottom of the pot, indicating it has reached the root zone. Depending on the size of the plant and pot, this might mean using roughly 16 to 32 ounces each watering session. During the growing season in spring and summer, Lady's Eardrops might require more frequent watering compared to the cooler, dormant winter months.

Light

Lady's Eardrops prefer bright, indirect light with protection from the harsh afternoon sun. The best spot for these plants is a location where they can receive morning sunlight and dappled shade in the afternoon. An east-facing or north-facing window would be ideal indoors, while a spot with some protection, like under a tree canopy, is good for outdoor plants.

Temperature

Lady's Eardrops thrive best in a temperature range of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of 75 degrees Fahrenheit but prefer cooler conditions. Exposing the plant to temperatures outside this range can cause stress and impede growth. The plant is sensitive to sudden temperature changes and strong cold drafts.

Pruning

Pruning Lady's Eardrops is important for maintaining a bushy habit and encouraging prolific blooming. Prune lightly throughout the growing season to remove dead or broken stems and faded flowers, which also helps prevent disease. The best time for a major prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fuchsia 'Voodoo' thrives in a well-draining soil mix with peat moss and perlite or sand; it prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Fuchsias like 'Voodoo' should typically be repotted every 2-3 years, or when rootbound, to provide fresh soil and encourage growth.

Humidity & Misting

Fuchsia 'Voodoo' prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 60-70%, to maintain healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  For Fuchsia 'Voodoo', provide bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.

• Outdoor

  Hang in partial shade; shelter from strong winds and hot sun.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Fuchsia 'Voodoo', commonly known as Voodoo Fuchsia, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate, typically requiring a moist, well-draining soil and some warmth to sprout. After germination, the seedlings emerge and grow into young plants with a distinctive set of leaves, which further mature to form the unique foliage and structure characteristic of Fuchsias. As mature plants, Voodoo Fuchsias produce striking, pendulous flowers with a bold blend of dark purple and red hues, which attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bees. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into small fruit that contain seeds, completing the reproductive stage. In temperate regions, Voodoo Fuchsia grows actively during the spring and summer, often entering a dormant phase in winter where it might shed leaves depending on the severity of the climate. With proper care, which includes pruning, feeding, and frost protection, Voodoo Fuchsias can live for several years, going through multiple flowering cycles within their perennial life span.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Fuchsia 'Voodoo' is through softwood cuttings. This process usually takes place in spring when the new growth is plentiful and the stems are neither too young nor too mature. To undertake this method, take a cutting of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long from a healthy Fuchsia 'Voodoo' plant, making sure there are at least two or three sets of leaves. Remove the bottom leaves to expose a clear stem, which you then dip into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Plant the cutting into a pot with a mixture of peat and perlite, ensuring high humidity and warmth, but avoid direct sunlight which can be too intense. New roots typically form within a few weeks, after which the cutting can be transferred to a larger pot or into the garden.